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Lexi Bainas column: Because concerts are so noteworthy, the musicale has changed its name

The Bergman Duo host shows at various times this season, so keep your eyes open for them

Are you or any of your friends and family nominated for a Joey award this year?

I’ve already had a few names whispered over the back fence:

Angie Hawes and Melina Suelze are both nominated for best leading actress in a short film (age 13-14 years), and for an ensemble award for the film Team Teenettes, in which they both play the titular super hero roles.

Hawes is also nominated for Best Filmmaker, and Best Actress in Princess Syndrome, a web series.

Also, there are Lily Killam, nominated for best actress in a principal role in a TV series (age seven to 12 years) and Alora Killam, who is nominated for best actress in a musical (14-19 years).

We won’t know the results until Nov. 10 when the red carpet Joey events happen in Richmond, but if you or yours are part of it, let me know now.

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Noteworthy Classical Concerts kicks off with the Bergman Duo on Monday, Oct. 1 at 7 p.m.

This on-stage series at the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre has been renamed. The outing formerly known as Morning Musicale will now be held on a variety of days and times throughout the 2018/19 season, the centre’s marketing whiz, Michele Fry, has explained.

“From fall 2013 to spring 2018, Morning Musicale was held on Monday mornings at 10:30 a.m. and was hosted by pianist Sarah Hagen from 2013-2016 and then The Bergmann Piano Duo in 2016-2018. This fall, our new Noteworthy Classical Concert Series will be held on various days at various times to help accommodate patrons who are unable to set aside time during their busy weekday schedules.”

In an effort to both make use of the entire facility, and offer the Valley more concert space, Kirsten Schrader’s team at the Centre are looking for ways to make the huge stage available as a venue.

The Noteworthy Classical Concert Series allows the audience a rare opportunity to experience classical music in an intimate, friendly setting with the ability to interact with professional musicians and artists. Both performers and fans love it.

The Bergmann Piano Duo will kick everything off with a special Oktoberfest celebration of their German heritage. With works from Strauss, Bach, Weill, Gershwin, Brubeck, everyone will be ready to sashay into the classical music season.

Later season events include: on Monday, Nov. 26 at 10:30 a.m., the Bergmanns host special guest Daniel Bolshoy on guitar performing ‘Concerto Invierno’.

Next spring, on Sunday, March 24 at 2:00 p.m. the duo appear with special guest Rebecca Wenham on cello performing ‘Cellicious’ while on Monday, April 25 at 7 p.m., they wind up the season with special guest soprano, Nadya Blanchette performing A Broadway Cabaret.

Tickets for each event are $28 each. Get them in person at the Cowichan Ticket Centre, or by phone 250-748-7529 or online at cowichanpac.ca.

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The CVAC Fall Speakers Series continues in the Mesachie Room at the Island Savings Centre on Oct. 11 with Ancient Culture: The Ye’yumnuts Project in the Cowichan Valley. From noon to 1 p.m., hear Dianne Hinkley from Cowichan Tribes discuss how UVic and local schools are exploring an archaeological site at the foot of Mount Prevost. She will bring artifacts found on the site. After that, there’s The Evolution of the Chair: Mid-century modern to today’s original designs on Thursday, Nov. 22, again from noon to 1 p.m.

In his intriguing slide-talk, Cam Russell looks at the design trends and materials that make up the chairs we take for granted now and offers insights into chair design and function.

Russell launched the Fine Furniture program at Camosun College 30 years ago and UVic’s Legacy Gallery recently hosted an exhibit of student work. Now retired from teaching, he works with his wife Karen Trickett at their woodworking business (Coventry Woodworks) in Cobble Hill.

For more info on the series call 250-746-1633 or email cvartscouncil@shaw.ca

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Valley dancer Vance Driver competed recently in China at the Keep On Dancing world street competition.

He’s well known in the Vancouver Island dance community but has measured a long road from the Cowichan Valley on his way to the event, where he was part of a team representing North America. The team won their way past the Americans in a rigorous battle earlier this year and then the final push was on.

They didn’t progress to the final but by the pictures, it looks like it was an exciting experience for all concerned. I was not able to contact Driver by press time.

Although Canada didn’t finish first, you can enjoy his performance at about 46:28 of the Canada vs. China event online.

KOD took a while to get the videos of the events uploaded but they are up now at https://kodtv.com/kvid/0359aa3c-e523-45d5-9bfd-e0da0be0adef

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Here’s Vance Driver performing his specialty, popping, at the World Cup. (KODTV photo)